June IMDA Tune of the Month by Amy Shaw

June IMDA Tune of the Month By Amy Shaw There’s a sort of Mason-Dixon Line when it comes to Irish polkas: one type of polka tends to be played in Cork and Kerry, while another type is favored in the north of Ireland. According to my copy of the new 2nd edition of The Companion to Irish Traditional Music (Cork University Press, 2011), “Introduced to Ireland in the late 1800s, two distinctly different kinds [of polkas] are now found: 1. the simple polka of Sliabh Luachra music, and 2. the ‘double’ polka associated with the playing of such as John McKenna and in the music of north Connacht.” The second kind, with its prevalent sixteenth-note figures, is indeed a wonderful vehicle for the pulsing flute style of players like John McKenna. This month’s column features two of these so-called “double” polkas as played by Harry Bradley, a contemporary Belfast flute player much influenced by the legendary John McKenna. Harry is one of the artists who will be teaching and performing during this month’s Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, sponsored by the Center for Irish Music. He’s also the flute player you’ve heard on Altan recordings in recent years. I’m really looking forward to hearing him play live! Check out www.centerforirishmusic.org to see the entire slate of world-class musicians headed here for the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. Whatever you do, don’t miss it! By the way, Harry seems to be playing one of his smaller flutes on this track. For the benefit of learners, I have transcribed these tunes in their more usual keys. Usual disclaimers: Any transcription errors are my own. The notation here is not meant to be a substitute for listening. It is simply an aid to learning the tune. .

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